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Gender dysphoria in childhood
Jiska Ristori1, Thomas D Steensma2,3
1a Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences , Careggi University Hospital , Florence , Italy ;
International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
|January 13, 2016
Summary
Childhood gender dysphoria (GD) involves significant distress from gender incongruence. This review examines clinical presentations, prevalence, psychological functioning, and treatment approaches for children with GD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric psychology
- Gender identity research
Background:
- Childhood gender dysphoria (GD) presents with significant distress due to gender incongruence.
- Clinical presentations and psychosexual outcomes for children with GD are variable and debated.
- Consensus on best clinical practices for childhood GD remains under discussion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a clinical overview of children referred to gender identity clinics.
- To describe clinical criteria and prevalence of childhood GD.
- To review literature on psychological functioning, psychosexual development, persistence factors, and psychopathology in children with GD.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychological functioning in children with GD.
- Analysis of factors associated with GD persistence.
- Summary and discussion of current treatment and counseling approaches.
Main Results:
- Variable clinical presentations and unclear psychosexual outcomes in childhood GD.
- Limited consensus on best clinical practices and treatment approaches.
- Co-existing psychological problems are characteristic in referred children.
Conclusions:
- Understanding childhood gender dysphoria requires a comprehensive review of clinical, developmental, and treatment literature.
- Further research is needed to clarify psychosexual outcomes and optimize interventions.
- Integrated approaches considering psychological functioning and co-occurring conditions are essential.
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